Bible Dictionaries
Apple Tree

Holman Bible Dictionary

A tree known in the Old Testament for its fruit, shade, beauty, and fragrance (Joel 1:12; Proverbs 25:11; Song of Song of Solomon 2:3 ,Song of Song of Solomon 2:5; Song of Song of Solomon 7:8; Song of Song of Solomon 8:5 ). Some scholars doubt that the Hebrew text is referring to the apple tree. They think the common apple tree was only recently introduced to Palestine, and that the wild variety hardly matches the description given to the tree and its fruit in the Bible. The citron, quince, and apricot have been proposed as the tree spoken of in the Bible. Of the three, the apricot seems to have the best support. Having been introduced from China prior to the time of Abraham, the apricot is widespread in Palestine. When conditions for it are right, the apricot tree can grow to a height of about thirty feet with spreading branches, which make it a good shade tree. Hebrew tappuach “apple” does appear as a place name in the Bible and may indicate apple trees were known as unusual occurrences in some Palestinian sites.